Through the Eye of the Storm

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By Cholene Espinoza

Cholene Espinoza--Air Force Academy graduate, former U-2 reconnaissance pilot, and embedded Iraq War journalist--rediscovers hope and purpose in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. With her partner, a close friend, and a U-Haul packed with supplies, Espinoza drives into the Deep South with misgivings and self-doubt. Once in DeLisle, Mississippi, she meets Rev. Rosemary Williams, pastor of the Mt. Zion Methodist Church. Williams is at the center of local relief efforts, and from her damaged church she gives survivors comfort--not just spiritual comfort, but food, shelter, clothing, and love. Espinoza finds her own struggles overwhelmed and transformed by the stories of Katrina's survivors. Through the Eye of the Storm is a rallying cry for working Americans and an indictment of the public and commercial sources of assistance that have failed them. Espinoza details the seemingly insurmountable red tape, systemic barriers, and inequities in disaster assistance for people who have no means to complain or demand better. Common stereotypes about race, religion, poverty, government assistance, single parenthood--even our notions of charity--are challenged when seen Through the Eye of the Storm. This is a story of loss and recovery, of the ravages of disaster and the healing power of community.